During the late autumn months and into winter, food must be warm. Even the salads must take on the qualities of a comfort dish and this salad is a balance of fresh leaves with warm, hearty lentils tossed in a slightly sweet apple cider dressing. The nuts provide a nice crunch, while the goat cheese offers that rich, satisfying creamy finish. I love making this salad and sometimes will substitute rice, such as nutty forbidden rice or brown rice instead of the lentils. Either way, as long as the lentils or rice is warm, the spinach or kale will brighten as it wilts slightly. You can also add bacon to make this more of a main dish or just because bacon is right in just about anything.